Smart technology remains one of the most promising paths to greener buildings and a better environment. When we think of smart buildings, an array of ever-vigilant sensors all around us comes to mind, constantly monitoring everything from air quality to light levels, and usage of utilities such as water and electricity. Being able to visualise, record, analyse and report these important parameters paves the way for improving the occupants’ wellbeing and comfort, as well as the condition of the building and how it affects the environment. We can encourage habits among occupants that contribute to a more comfortable and environmentally conscious building.
A network of integrated Sensors and Sensor Adapters (with external probes) allow the monitor a wide range of parameters including air quality, utility usage and fluids
However, to be most effective, green building technology should act to maintain conditions and reduce resource usage without relying on the occupants alone. And this is where our unsung heroes (Actuators) play a vital role, providing the missing piece needed to create closed-loop systems which react with minimal manual intervention. Actuators are electronic modules that receive commands from the smart building controller—using communication protocols such as the BRTSys LDSBus, Modbus or LoRaWAN, for example—and enable control of physical devices both inside and outside the building.
This can include switching actuators (with relays or solid-state switching), providing control of motors for shutters, window shades, ventilation fans, and HVAC systems to name but a few. Actuators can also control the intensity and colour of lighting via direct dimming or via standard lighting control protocols (such as DMX/DALI or 0-10V control) for example. Devices can also be integrated via IR control actuators which can mimic the InfraRed protocols used by dedicated remote controls. Advanced actuators can even report back information, such as current consumption for ventilation fan motors, allowing the system to confirm expected operation and helping with predictive maintenance.
Actuators are the hidden and often-unappreciated heroes of smart buildings, allowing the system to control physical devices. Here are just some of the actuators from BRTSys.
Other benefits of using actuators compared to manual operation include :
The true potential of a green building emerges when sensors and actuators are integrated into a unified smart system such as the BRTSys IoTPortal or an existing Building Management System. This setup enables automated control of physical devices in response to predefined rules and dynamic events—driven by sensor data, time schedules, occupancy levels, and various other contextual factors.
Realise the full potential by integrating Sensors and Actuators via the IoTPortal, an intelligent control system with remote access and automation
Smart control systems have evolved a lot in recent years, not only in features and connectivity, but with user-friendly configuration. A key benefit is that these systems no longer rely upon programming expertise or specialist contractors to configure and update automation settings. With remote capabilities, configuration does not need to be done exclusively on-site either.
Configuring and modifying automated events to controlling actuators is easy with the IoTPortal’s intuitive zero-code graphical interface
Smart green technology can take us far on our journey to improving our environmental footprint. One barrier to widespread adoption is the belief that being green and eco-friendly comes at a cost of additional workload and inconvenience, and this is one area where our unsung heroes, the actuators, can really make a difference!
Find out more about our range of actuators, sensors, sensor adapters, and our system solutions such as IoTPortal and PanL Smart Living for smart buildings at www.brtsys.com
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